This position is assigned to the Secretary of State's office in Las Vegas. Criminal Investigators perform criminal investigations involving violations of federal and/or State law. The investigative process is initiated following a formal request for services or as a coordinated effort with federal, State, or local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. Criminal Investigators utilize standard investigative and law enforcement techniques. Under direction from the Chief Criminal Investigator, the incumbent will review information and conduct background investigations to determine validity of information and appropriate use of sources; conduct interviews with individuals, witnesses, suspects and criminal justice agency officials, and other sources to obtain information regarding the criminal investigation; and gather and preserve evidence, Conduct arrests based on probable cause, execute search warrants, take photographs, document information, transport, secure, and analyze evidence by following proper evidentiary procedure. Incumbents establish an investigative plan including identifying and interviewing witnesses, identifying untrue statements; identifying company and assets owned or listed in sales literature; determining evidence needed to prove case; and identifying any additional jurisdictional issues. In addition, investigators prepare, obtain and execute legal documents such as affidavits, search warrants, arrest warrants, and subpoenas in support of the criminal justice process and criminal prosecution; and prepare detailed investigative reports of the investigative process in a chronological order to include violations committed, documented evidence, witness statements and provide testimony in a court of law. Additionally, Investigators are tasked with assisting the agency with public outreach, via public speaking presentations on specific subject matter pertinent to the agency and its missions.

Perform criminal investigations involving violations of federal and/or State law. The investigative process is initiated following a formal request for services or as a coordinated effort with federal, State, or local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. Criminal Investigators utilize standard investigative and law enforcement techniques.
Receive formal requests for investigative services from federal, State, or local law enforcement and/or criminal justice agencies, or initiate investigations based on information obtained from cooperating individuals, the public, or other sources; review information and conduct background investigations to determine validity of information and appropriate use of sources.

Conduct interviews with cooperating individuals, witnesses, State, and local law enforcement and criminal justice agency officials and other sources to obtain information regarding the criminal investigation, case history, goals, and objectives.

Gather and preserve evidence, search crime scene, take photographs, fingerprints, sketch diagrams, talk with witnesses and suspects, and document information; transport, secure, prepare, and analyze evidence by following proper evidentiary procedure.

Develop case files and maintain case logs and reports; document investigative activities in chronological order to develop and formulate facts and leads, establish patterns and trends, determine motives, and support enforcement actions; utilize information to write affidavits, request search and arrest warrants, and develop final case reports prior to initiating criminal prosecution.

Perform surveillance and/or covert activities by visually observing and recording information utilizing video cameras, taking photographs, using wireless electronic audio equipment, or personally conducting transactions with suspects to gather evidence, develop leads, and establish probable cause.

Prepare, obtain, and execute legal documents such as affidavits, search warrants, arrest warrants, and subpoenas to continue the criminal justice process and criminal prosecution.

Prepare investigative reports encompassing all events and facts pertaining to the case in chronological order; outline violations committed, documentation of evidence, link charts, statements obtained from witnesses and cooperating individuals, statement of facts, and the investigator’s final opinion; provide testimony in a court of law.

Maintain various reports such as daily activity reports, case summaries, arrest reports, buy fund reports, expense reports, and vehicle reports; utilize information to develop statistical data, individual performance appraisals, and to substantiate program budget expenditures.

Conduct training programs regarding agency services, specialized functions, and/or programs to other law enforcement agencies, State and local government officials, the public, or community groups to develop understanding and awareness.

Incumbents are assigned responsibility for investigative assignments or functions within an enforcement area (e.g., task force, general investigations unit). Positions at this level receive general supervision from a Supervising Investigator. Work is reviewed through case reports, activity reports, meetings and as the need arises. Assignments are performed independently or require providing direction to lower-level investigators assigned to the case.

Conduct the more complex or difficult investigative assignments that may involve cases of a high profile or sensitive nature, involving multiple criminal violations and/or suspects, and which require specialized knowledge in areas such as polygraph examination, intelligence gathering, drug trafficking and/or manufacture, homicide investigation, etc. This is the journey level class in the series.

Perform related duties as assigned.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice, police science, psychology, business administration, or closely related field and three years of criminal investigative or law enforcement experience involving standard investigative and enforcement techniques utilized to enforce federal and State laws, preparation of detailed investigative reports, and implementation of agency program goals and objectives. Work experience may be obtained in a law enforcement, investigative, or comparable setting; OR graduation from high school or equivalent education and five years of experience as described above; OR one year of experience as a Criminal Investigator II in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
This class specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Knowledge of: federal regulations governing drug enforcement, laws of arrest, rules of evidence, search and seizure, confiscation of stolen property, legal rights of citizens and court procedures; interviewing and interrogation techniques.

Ability to: establish and maintain effective courteous working relationships; secure facts by personal contact, observation, and checking of records; obtain and serve legal documents such as arrest warrants, subpoenas, and affidavits; read and interpret court orders, legal documents, complaints, or judgments.

Recruiter Contact Information: Susan Fowler - sfowler@admin.nv.gov